When we go back to the States, we need to _________.

We've been having cravings and neither of us are pregnant. So, we thought we'd start planning now for our looked-forward-to return to the USA!

1) Eat at Chipotle

2) Go to a Mariner game. (Garrick) And eat a hot dog. (Andrea)

3) Drive a car on the right-hand side of the road.

4) Go through a drive-thru

5) Play at the park with our nephews

6) Shop at Target

7) Cycle the Centennial Trail with Dan the Man

8) Go to happy hour at Lot #3 or the Matador with the LCC crew

9) Smell the fertilizer while driving down into the Snohomish Valley

10) Watch TV

11) Have coffee with Rachael Goit (Andrea)

12) Eat one of Mark's curries

13) Shop with my mom, sister, and Julie (Andrea)

14) Travel around the San Juan Islands

We'll keep adding, and if you think of anything we've missed, don't be shy!

Whey Pat Exegesis & "Macbeth"

Pub Night

Every Friday night, post-grad's from St Mary's College gather at the Whey Pat on Bridge Street. Conversation can be silly, exegetical, and meaningful.

Always very warm and very crowded, the Whey Pat has character and is slightly less packed with undergrads than other local pubs. It's a different mix of students each week and people come and go until midnight.

This month, Garrick hosts. This means sending out a mass Facebook invite the day of, and getting there at 8pm. Friday night we enjoyed dinner with Raymond & Mary Blake and then made our way to the pub. Our usual corner occupied, we sat in the back and the boys played a few games of darts. I enjoyed conversation with friends, whom I no longer consider "new."

We haven't made it to every Pub Night, but when we do it's always a looked-forward-to ending to another week in St Andrews.

"Macbeth" performed in the St Andrews Castle

When we heard that Shakespeare's play was to be performed in a ruined Scottish castle, we couldn't pass up the experience. Then, we realized we'd have to sit outside for three hours on a chilly night.

Still worth it.

The evening began at Le Rendez Vous (a wee hole-in-the-wall French restaurant) with Ryan & Corrie. Bellies filled with pizza, we walked to wait in line for the play.

Garrick and I went under the names "Jessica" and "Claire" for the evening, because we got tickets from two girls who had purchased tickets online, and we had their confirmation printout. The student who checked our passes said to Garrick, "Jessica, that's a peculiar name!"

Bag pips serenaded the setting sun and soon the lawn was filled with hundreds of spectators.The actors performed fantastically considering they didn't wear mic's or jackets. Lady Macbeth did particularly well with the many emotions she portrayed: love, insanity, sadness, and anger.

The castle proved a perfect backdrop and  the cast wore blue and red tartan, signifying clan Macbeth or clan Macduff. It's one of those moments where you have say to yourself, "I'm in ancient castle ruins watching a Shakespeare play."

Our sleeping bags were perfect. I put the hood up and got so warm I fell asleep at one point! If you're here in June you can attend "A Midsummer Night's Dream" with us.

Isle of Skye

Location: 57°34'05"N and 6°10'20"W

Population: 9,232

Prominent Clans: MacLeod & MacDonald

Distance from St Andrews: 417 miles, 4 hours and 23 minutes

Landscape: Rolling green hills, rocky cliffs, and minimal trees

Weather in April: Sun, wind, rain, and snow

Our Trip:

On April 2, we piled into a very small French SUV with G's family, Mark, Julie, Braden and Nolan. We drove a roundabout way to Skye via Inverness and Loch Ness to see Urquhart Castle and Nessie. After about 6+ hours of driving, we arrived in Kyleakin, Isle of Skye.



We checked into "Saucy Mary's" youth hostel.



Who is Saucy Mary? She was a Norwegian princess who occupied Castle Moil, a fortress built in the 15th century. She tolled boats using the channel. Photos depict her in provocative clothing and long, curly blond hair.

The hostel is connected to a pub, and the food and music did not disappoint. We heard lots of "Men at Work" and "Lynyrd Skynyrd." The pub closed at about 1:30am each morning, interrupting our sleep with lots of French accents and yelling. Garrick even kindly asked them to be quiet, but to no avail. ;)

On our main travel day, we got an early start at 9am. First stop? Talisker.



 


The views kept getting better. I said, "Pull over, I want to take a picture," about ten times. On our way to Portree, highland cows and sheep dotted the landscape.


 
 

After burgers and lamb stew at "The Cafe" in Portree, Skye's largest town,  we continued our loop to Duntulm Castle. "Good for the soul" is the only way to describe standing on these ancient ruins, looking out at the sea.



Waves crashing. Sheep baaing. Wind blowing. A very Scottish soundtrack, heard centuries earlier by Clan MacDonald.  I've thought much of the peacefulness I felt at this ruined castle. The rain soon soaked our North Face jackets and we hiked back to the car.

Back at Saucy Mary's, Garrick and I continued our life-long Cribbage tournament and enjoyed pan-seared lamb and potatoes. The next morning we ate muffins and drank terrible lattes in the car, beginning the long drive back to St Andrews. Even though the distance does not look far, the roads are often one lane with slow speed limits, making for longer travel times.

Here are my three favorite photos from our holiday:






We will definitely make a point to travel to the Isle of Skye again. We saw lots of mountaineering, cycling, and camping, but summertime would probably be best for these activities!

Scotland Living with Green Garrick

Mid-fifties, breeze, sunny blue skies. Our morning walk to the grocer was pleasant and therapeutic.

We enjoyed lattes at the Morrison's cafe with most, if not all, of St Andrews' old-age pensioners. After having our groceries delivered for most the winter, pushing a cart through a grocery aisle was more fun than it should be.

On our way home, fingers white from carrying a carton of milk, I began to think of my new, green life in Scotland.

First, you should know that my husband loves scraping food out of tin cans, picking cigarette butts off the sidewalk (he was 3), and turning my hair straightener off before I use it.

At times, I can get a little annoyed when I'm cleaning the kitchen and he says from the other room, "You can recycle that!" Or, "That can go in the food waste!" For Garrick, it's a moral issue. For me, it's a way that I respect my husband. I do care for the earth, just not to the extent of washing used tin foil.

The move to the UK has been like Christmas morning for my green husband. Separate glass recycling posts and Fife Council issued food waste bins are just a few of his gifts. Creating less trash does feel good, even to me. Putting rotten spinach in the food waste doesn't mean I'm throwing my money away, because it's being "recycled." Because my marriage vows included a promise to recycle, I have adapted to a light-green lifestyle. Garrick's is more forrest green.

The other ways we live green are not only good for the environment, they save money.  We commute with our two feet and use public transportation when we leave St Andrews. Our hot water switch remains off because we have an electric shower. Washing dishes means boiling water. Clothes dry outside on the line or on our cute radiator racks.

I'll admit, walking to work in my heels and with my hair and makeup done on a rainy/windy morning does affect my mood. For once, I would like to not sport the "wind tunnel" look. But overall, I'm happy with my new lifestyle and will continue to live this way in the future.

This Seattlite is turning greener with every week spent in Scotland and every day spent with Green Garrick.

How do you live green?

6 Month Review

Today marks 6 months of Scottish living. We thought we'd do a review.

What is the most memorable part of September 4th, 2011?

G: Flying in the morning as the sun was rising and seeing Iceland. We saw the Iron Maiden tour plane at the Reykjavik airport.

A:  I remember driving in my parents Subaru down I-5 and trying to think of the right words to communicate how much I love and appreciate them. I also can still picture Garrick and I wandering around St Andrews at around 6 PM and finding Tesco. We bought pasta, Nutella, and milk. (We'd been up for over 24 hours...)

What were your first impressions of St Andrews?

G: I thought it was very beautiful, especially the ocean and the ruins. And, I thought it was isolated because you get off the train in Leuchars and there is nothing around you besides fields.

A: The stone. Whether it be the cobble-stone streets, the stone walls, the stone buildings, all I saw was stone. Also, the East Sands. This beach was my therapist for the first few days here.

What is the most difficult adjustment to living in Scotland?

G: The adjustment of a different academic system was a difficult one. The other was the pace of life. Everything happens a lot slower.

A: Even though I love it now, walking everywhere was quite exhausting at the beginning. We had to purchase many household items and a car would have made this much easier. Also, grocery shopping for the first time was like learning a new language: Beef if minced not ground, corn is tinned not canned, and tortilla chips don't exist. (Doritos don't count.)

What is one part of Scottish culture that you will take with you when you leave?

G: Stinginess. Just kidding.  My real answer is not over-working. I really enjoy taking time to relax every day.

A: Tea. Morning, mid-morning, afternoon, and evening. Drink Tea. It's not about boiling water, steeping it, and adding cream or sugar, it's a way of life. Taking time out of your day to relax, think, and enjoy a small pleasure sums up nicely the slower pace here.

What are ways you have changed?

G: I have grown a beard. I have learned to be more patient and forgiving of others. I have also learned that I miss Seattle and being around my family.

A: I am less materialistic. I don't think I've ever been addicted to "stuff," and even if I was, my budget has never allowed it. I now value relationships, laughter, time with God, walks on the beach, and serving others far more than I ever have in the past.

What are ways your spouse has changed?

G: Andrea has become more open to traveling and living abroad. She has adjusted quite nicely to living apart from her family despite how difficult it is.

A: Garrick amazes me every day. Then he stubs his toe on the same part of the bed frame every morning and I am brought back to reality. ;) Garrick has adapted to a new educational system, excelled in his classes, and has also matured as a husband. I feel very taken care of, especially being so far away from my family. He is my family.

Describe your average day.

G: My average day is putting some bread in the toaster, walking up to my office around 8:30 and some days going to class. I read, write, and study until 5:00 and then Andrea comes and picks me up and we have dinner together, hang out with friends or relax, and then go to sleep. It's a good day.

A: Garrick and I walk to town in the morning around 8:30, I walk to my office on The Scores and work through the morning. I get an hour for lunch and I enjoy meeting friends or walking around town. At 5:00 I walk to St Mary's Quad and meet Garrick at his study space. We eat dinner and usually watch a movie together.

How is the social environment?

G: It's good. There's lots of people in our similar situation so we have much in common with other students. We also get a chance to interact with locals and it's a cool opportunity. Generally, it's a very social atmosphere.

A: Abundant! From my weekly Tuesday night Bible study, to weeknight dinners with friends, I never feel alone.I have been so blessed by the sense of community that is lived out by the students and families in St Marys. I have also made some wonderful Scottish friends!

What do you miss from the states?

G: I miss my nephews and my family and BASEBALL.

A: My family is a given. Not a day goes by where they are not in the forefront of my mind. I would love to give my two little nephews some love from Auntie!! Other than that I miss Sushi and Mexican food. I also miss driving.

What do you look forward to in the next 6 months?

G: I look forward to finishing my thesis, going to Italy, and maybe back to Paris. I am excited to have people come visit us, specifically my brothers.

A: Visitors from the states including Garrick's family and cousins. Also, traveling to Italy with friends. I am excited to learn more at my job and feel proud of what I am doing there.

We can't believe we've been here 6 months and look forward to many more!

Why Con Panna Coffee Made Me Cry

I ordered my mocha and stared across the table at my handsome husband this morning. Saturday is the light at the end of my 9-5 work week. I truly enjoy my job, but a day to sleep in and have a late morning coffee with my best friend can't be beat.

"This is aweful." The brown liquid had barely hit my lips and this Seattlelite knew what it was: an old shot mixed with luke warm milk, and way too much chocolate. Garrick's Americano wasn't much better.

Two dogs lay outside in the sun with their old man, one brown, one black. "I would love a dog," I tell Garrick. Suddenly, large tears swell in my eyes and it's all I can do to keep from crying in the busy coffee shop. (Why coffee like that brings customers, I'll never know.)

Suddenly, the truth escapes: I'm a little down. The terrible mocha and the cute dogs bring out feelings that are more deep rooted.

I like lists so here we go:

1) I need to play with my nephews and hang out with my family. And go to Jimmy John's. I miss home. I feel that I've been absent at a very difficult time for the rest of my family. I know that none of them resent me for being away and I feel very supported, but still, I feel guilty at times.

2) When you move across the world for a year, and then it turns in to potentially four, it's an adjustment. I'm beyond proud of Garrick for his accomplishments and grateful for my new position at the university, but I need to give myself time to be okay with calling St Andrews home for a few more years. In just 5 months, it has wedged its way into my heart with its quaint cobble-stoned streets, cute shops, and historic beauty, and I know that I will love it even more as time goes by.

3) I'm the new girl. In just a short time, a new person will be hired in the Registry office and more students will arrive in the Fall, but having an accent and meeting several new people a week can get overwhelming. I wish I could make a shirt that says, "Yes,  I am American. Yes, I know that 20 is young to get married. Yes, I go to church."

4) Quid. It stresses me out.

Because I can articulate my feelings well and have two little ears that listen intently to everything I say, we left Con Panna holding hands and smiling, and vowed to never go back.

 Brighter days are ahead.

Banana Pancakes

Friday is usually the winner of the "Best Day of the Week" prize. Not in St Andrews.

Our church, Trinity, begins at noon every Sunday, and we walk out of the stone, curved doorway at about 1:30. Then we would go to Janetta's for soup of the day with our friends. (Note: Cafe in the Square is far superior, but closed on Sundays.)

Lindsay had the bright idea of eating breakfast together before church instead of lunch afterward so as to give us more time in the afternoon. Three breakfasts later, it's a hit. This morning we ate chocolate chip & banana pancakes, and I lived Jack Johnson's lyrics. It just needed to rain. The french press coffee, fellowship, and seeing how many people can cram around or tiny table were also highlights.

Trinity is a fairly new gathering that meets at Holy Trinity Church. We have been warmly welcomed and integrated very quickly to the unique community. We enjoy the relaxed atmosphere as well as the straight forward, scripture based teaching. On Friday morning we're going to a prayer meeting at 7:15 complete with bacon rolls. I don't think there's a better combination!

This Sunday was more special than most. We played Ultimate Frisbee with friends on the beach. I wore sweats and a fleece and was the perfect temperature, running around on the sun kissed sand. To conclude our day, we threw together a "barbecue" and got to know some new friends. Broiled hot dogs wrapped in pitas with mustard = our Scottish attempt at an American classic. And boy, was it good! (I'll admit a little weird, but good.)

And for these reasons, Sundays in St Andrews are without question, my favorite day of the week. But with wonderful new job, Mondays doesn't seem so bad either.